ERD foundation, one of the fastest growing educational networks of higher and technical education in North east India is running Central IT College, Regional College of Higher Education, Regional Institute of Science and Technology (RIST) with its future plan to come up with its own university- University of Science And Technology, Meghalaya in Hatimura from the current session 2010-11. RIST institute situated in 9th mile, opposite CRPF group Centre, Khanapara is only 6 kms from the capital of Assam, Dispur and 85 kms from Meghalaya. At present, RIST offers B. Tech programmes in computer Sc. and engineering, information technology, electronics and communication engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, civil and mechanical engineering approved by All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi, Ministry of HRD, Government of India and is affiliated to North East Hill University, Shillong. ERDF assured to reserve 33% seats for girl applicants and from the current year ERDF would accommodate 50% students from rural areas. It has also provided 10% reservation for meritorious students belong to families Below Poverty Line (BPL) for north eastern students, three free seats for BPL and 5 seats for students to Nagaland in B. Tech programme. The institute also appealed to all private institutions to provide the opportunity for poor students and further assured that toppers of the state board would be given free admission.